BELLO FEBRUARY 2015
10 Reasons to Escape to PALM BEACH Splurge or Steal: FAB VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS
Jasmine VILLEGAS
MUSIC
Morocco Resurrection: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE The Sexy Chef: RED WINE GARLIC NOODLES WITH BLUE CRAB & BROWNED BUTTER Calendar
and LI FE S T Y L E
MUSIC
JASMINE V:
Wisdom
Beyond HerYears WORDS BY JEROD WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY MARC CARTWRIGHT
TOP H&M SKIRT LUBLU EARRINGS TOPSHOP SHOES REBECCA MINKOFF
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IN HINDSIGHT, ONE WOULD NEVER BELIEVE THAT BAY AREA NATIVE JASMINE VILLEGAS, A.K.A. JASMINE V, HAS BEEN A VETERAN OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOR A LITTLE OVER A DECADE. THE 21-YEAR-OLD ACTRESS, MODEL AND SINGER EXPERIENCED A LOT OF LIFE CHANGES AND HAD TO GROW UP VERY QUICKLY AT A YOUNG AGE.
From acting in such TV shows as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, My Wife and Kids and That’s So Raven to modeling for several print ads, this beauty is slowly building her resume and brand. Jasmine V is now making her mark in the industry for which she was born and has been working toward since the age of eleven: music. With several single tracks released over the years, a successful underground mixtape, touring and singing with Justin Bieber and the release of her EP last year under her arsenal, Jasmine is laying the foundation and taking her time in the studio with her record company in preparation to record her full-length album on the Interscope record label, a project that she has been ready to start sinking her teeth into for awhile. Originally from San Jose, California, Villegas’ career began when she was discovered by Dame Dash (of the Dame Dash Music Group) and started making appearances at several sporting events, including performances singing the National Anthem at a Los Angeles Clippers game and one of Floyd Mayweather’s boxing matches, among others. She traveled back and forth from the Bay Area to Los Angeles early on in her acting and modeling career before finally getting officially settled in Los Angeles at age eleven. The road to where she is today has definitely been one paved with lots of trials and tribulations. She has even candidly discussed dealing with domestic violence, as is beautifully conveyed in one of her critically lauded songs, “Didn’t Mean That,” and business missteps that could have derailed her career, but now she is treating both as learning experiences. “I thought in the beginning that this was going 117
to be easy, and that everyone had my best intentions at heart and wanted to help me in my career...but later on, I realized that wasn’t the case. It played a huge part in me growing up in this industry.” When we asked Villegas, who was home-schooled for the better part of her life, about what other profession she would have pursued if she wasn’t a musician, she responded that she might have liked to be a veterinarian.
have - and dance to her routines. She’s so beautiful and talented.” In addition to singing and acting, Villegas has been an active philanthropist for a handful of organizations and has been building her brand beyond the entertainment business. “I want to have everything. I want to be able to look back and be proud of everything I’ve done, and especially have music
I want to be able to look back and be proud of everything I’ve done, and especially have music that is timeless and keep making my dreams into a reality. In August of 2014, Jasmine V released “That’s Me Right There,” featuring Grammy-nominated rapper, Kendrick Lamar, to the radio. Shortly thereafter in November, she released her EP with the same title that features five smooth R&B tracks that reflect the singer’s growth and storytelling. “My EP had a lot of slower songs on it, and working with the songwriters helped me express what I was feeling at the time. We worked tirelessly on the project. The material that we are working on right now for the full-length album is more dance-oriented, so I’m excited about that.” When asked about her influences and who her favorite artists and role models are, she immediately discusses powerhouse women like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and her primary idol, Alicia Keys, as women she tries to emulate. “I’d like to think [that] one day I would be up to their level, and I would love to work with Alicia someday. When I was younger, I would dress up - and I even had the cane and hats that she would
that is timeless and keep making my dreams into a reality. The sky’s the limit.” When Villegas is not on her daily grind and pursuing her quest to become the next big thing, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and, mainly, being a homebody, which is something that she doesn’t get much time to do in her busy schedule. With an impending promotional tour in the works and a decade of experience to back it all up, you can definitely expect her to be ready to show the world what she’s truly capable of. Jasmine V is more than just the beautiful female lead who graced the “Baby” video of her former boyfriend, Justin Bieber; she’s a star in the making, and is destined to make an impact in the music world. One of the mottos that she consistently lives by and holds as an undeniable truth is the fact that “being able to be yourself and know where you come from is a staple in this industry, and in any culture.” February 2015 - BELLO
SHIRT & BELT REISS EARRINGS TOPSHOP SKIRT LEANNE MARSHALL
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SHIRT WHITNEY EVE
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TOP & SHORTS CAMEO THE LABEL EARRINGS TOPSHOP
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JACKET GIULIETTE BROWN PANTS REBECCA MINKOFF SHOES OSCAR TIYE
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TOP WHITNEY EVE PANTS REBECCA MINKOFF EARRINGS H&M
Photography MARC CARTWRIGHT www.marccartwright.com • Stylist WARREN ALFIE BAKER www.warrenalfiebaker.com Makeup NICOLE WALMSLEY www.nicolewalmsley.com • Hair SIENREE with CELESTINE AGENCY using PAUL MITCHELL 123
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MUSIC
Bringing Sexy Back (For a New Generation) BY BRAD LIBERTI
There are certain sexy song classics that are guaranteed to set the Valentine’s Day mood, no matter where you pop ‘em on: Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby,”
Shaggy’s “Boombastic”… But while these tried and true faves will never go out of style, a whole new crop of jams have proven that the tradition of babymaking music is, indeed, alive and well.
10. The Gossip – “Vertical Rhythm” Lead singer and punk powerhouse Beth Ditto’s voice always sounds like she’s on the verge of either the most mindblowing orgasm of her life...or a nervous breakdown. But hey, that’s what makes it so hot. After all, there’s no rhyme or reason when it comes to sex.
8.
Arctic Monkeys – “Do I Wanna Know?”
Sure, a hard-rocking band of British hipsters isn’t exactly who you’d expect to churn out baby-making tunes, but one lick of the irresistible baseline in this rock smash from 2013 and you’ll get it.
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9.
Don’t believe us? Here are ten songs – all released after the year 2000 – that are sure to make your February 14th a day – and night – that you won’t soon forget.
Christina Aguilera – “Get Mine, Get Yours”
It seems so fun and oddly innocent now (in the world of Miley and Nicki Minaj), but at the time, a big fuss was made about Aguilera’s transition from Mousekateer to assless-chapwearing Dirrty girl. Yet even the headlines couldn’t distract from the fact that her 2002 album Stripped represented a young woman bravely exploring adult themes like maturity, identity, and sex. And in the case of this giddy, self-assured jam, Xtina clearly wasn’t afraid to call the shots.
7.
Sade – “Soldier of Love”
“No Ordinary Love” may arguably be the sexiest song ever recorded, but if you think that the enigmatic chanteuse has lost her touch in the 20+ years since she released the sultry masterpiece, just give a listen to this new classic from her similarly titled 2010 effort. 124
6.
Usher – “This Ain’t Sex”
Sometimes, it’s true what they say: sex really is just about sex. Unless you’re mega-selling, hip-shimmying superstar Usher, that is… Then, it’s about making moments that will outlast the world.
4.
R. Kelly – “Snake”
“Ignition” may have been the monster hit off of Kel’s 2003 album Chocolate Factory (and, not to mention, the most unabashedly shameless), but this slinky follow-up proved that nobody rocks a thinly-veiled sex metaphor like The R.
2.
Jill Scott – “A Long Walk”
Sex doesn’t always have to be just about bumping and grinding. In fact, it can be quite a cerebral experience if you let it… Just ask Philly-bred powerhouse Jill Scott, whose insightful lyrics and effortless swagger have been getting folks in the mood for nearly two decades. 125
5.
Rihanna – “Skin”
While the Barbadian beauty has never been one to shy away from overt imagery or explicitly sexual material, it’s this slow jam off her 2010 album, Loud, that finds the singer at her sensual best, telling her lover all she wants to see him in is just skin.
3.
Justin Timberlake – “Strawberry Bubblegum”
There were perhaps more babies conceived to the music of this former ‘N Sync-er turned solo chart topper during the first ten years of the new millennium than to that of any other artist. But it’s this easy breezy jam from his most assured album to date (2013’s The 20/20 Experience) that finds JT truly bringing sexy back.
1.
Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z - “Drunk In Love”
From its Middle Eastern backbeat to its introduction of surf bort into the lexicon, the Carters’ instant classic set the stage for Bey’s most exciting, sexiest album to date, and at the same time proved that you could rhyme breast-essess and breakfast. February 2015 - BELLO
LIFESTYLE
ESCAPE TO
PALM BEACH: 10 Reasons to Pack Your Bags Now BY HIKO MITSUZUKA
IF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS WERE TO RELOCATE TO AN ISLAND STRIP OFF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF FLORIDA, IT WOULD PROBABLY RESEMBLE THE FASHIONABLE, BOUTIQUE-FILLED STREETS OF PALM BEACH. A playground for the ultra-rich ever since American industrialist Henry Flagler founded the city in 1911, Palm Beach beckons visitors to its secluded shores, where mansions are cloaked behind curtains of cascading bougainvillea. A Mediterranean-style Mecca, Palm Beach plays host to renowned cultural centers and society’s most glittering balls and charity events. Who wouldn’t want to experience a slice of that decadence? Bello travelers, read on to see why you need to plan your escape now...
#1-4: The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club - This is the kind of
lushly landscaped and luxurious haven you envision while dreaming about this decadent destination. The amenities
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are plentiful...thus why it’s taking up the first four slots on our list of reasons to experience the beautiful barrier island on the Atlantic coast. Front Courtyard of the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club
With its discreet courtyards and timeless decor (not to mention its secret entryways; Billy Crystal and Lionel Ritchie are frequent guests), the feel and charm of the 1920s and ‘30s are alive and well throughout the property. Call it tropical noir. Whether you’re lounging poolside on the “sunning piazza,” curling up in the ultra-cozy library, taking in some contemporary art in the hotel’s gallery, or indulging in a hot bath in your suite, you always get a sense of history at The Brazilian Court. And because of that authenticity, it’s a luxury hotspot without the pretension and artificiality that’s common among some high-end hospitality chains. And if your private bath won’t do it for you, there’s always the Frederic Fekkai Salon and Spa (but be sure to book that
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#7: Brush Shoulders with James Patterson at Classic Bookshop - This local retailer is a
favorite of bestselling crime novelist James Patterson, most likely because the writer owns a home within walking distance of the shop. The independently owned and operated bookseller has all of the popular mass-market titles, as well as an array of rare and unique volumes that will satiate any bibliophile. classicbookshop.com
#8: Shop ‘Til You Drop on Worth Avenue - What is undoubtedly the Cafe Boulud Courtyard
massage well in advance). Then there’s Cafe Boulud, named after Chef Daniel Boulud, who recently hosted Ultimo, a special luxury winter weekend event in Las Vegas. The restaurant, located several steps from the lobby bar, features a menu made to please any palate (foie gras, flounder, and frites, oh my!). And after all of that pampering and dining, there’s the personalized beach bag for your well-deserved “me time” on the white sand. thebraziliancourt. com
#5: Dinner at Buccan - Two
blocks from The Brazilian Court is Chef Clay Conley’s Buccan, a gorgeous and inviting restaurant that blends New England comfort food, bold Mediterranean flavors, and sensual Latin American tastes in thoughtful, explosive arrangements (see Exhibits A & B: the colorful lobster ceviche and short rib empanada). Conley’s intention was to create a space that replicated the warmth of cooking at home with friends, offering full-flavored small plates designed to share, a casually sophisticated ambiance, and easy camaraderie. The raving accolades that resulted from his vision include a James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: South and numerous Best New Restaurant awards. And with the addition of pastry chef Antonia Grandberry, the dessert menu boasts what is undoubtedly one of the most daring and delicious desserts we’ve 127
ever encountered: the Popcorn Sundae (bourbon-bacon-Crackerjack with salted caramel and chocolate crumble). Good luck trying to find a dish that won’t incite a proper foodgasm. buccanpalmbeach.com
#6: Practice Your Swing at The Breakers - Hook up with a club
member and enjoy a golfer’s dream course. Ten miles away from the resort is The Breakers Rees Jones® Course, recently reconstructed as one of the premier golf experiences in the southeast U.S. and reflecting the incomparable new-classic style of eminent golf course architect, Rees Jones. thebreakers.com
Rodeo Drive of the East Coast resides just a few high-heeled taps away from The Brazilian Court. The world’s most exclusive purveyor of luxury goods, art galleries and fine dining, Worth Avenue showcases coveted designers such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Chanel, to name a few. Savvy shoppers, make sure to get hooked up with a private trunk show at Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. And for those who prefer window-shopping, historic walking tours are available through the Worth Avenue Association. worth-avenue.com
#9: Hiko’s Milky Sake at Imoto
- This Asian-focused extension of Chef Clay Conley’s Buccan, which opened in 2012, is a minimalist, Zen-like enclave where Conley applies contrasting tastes, textures, and temperatures to traditional flavor combinations, highlighting his flair and sense of balance. But it’s really the cocktails that delight diners while they sample the savory plates. And call me biased, but the creamy-sweet cups of chilled sake named after yours truly make for the perfect nightcap. imotopalmbeach. com
#10: The Grilled Chicken Club at Surfside Diner - Once you’ve
treated yourself to every luxurious amentity made available to you, cozy up in a booth at this warm establishment (right next door to Classic Bookshop!) and order this classic lunch favorite. Have you booked your flight yet? Chef Clay Conley at BUCCAN
@TheFirstEcho February 2015 - BELLO
LIFESTYLE
Morocco Resurrection: Celebrating Excellence WORDS ZIGA COLJA (Photos: SAGA Institute, Steven Schaefer, Palais Namaskar, Dar Ahlam, L’Heure Bleue Palais)
LIGHT RAIN FELL, AND YET THE SOIL WAS GASPING FOR MORE, ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL SUFFOCATING FROM IT. IT HASN’T SEEN RAIN DROPS FOR THE PAST DECADE...NOT A SINGLE ONE. BUT BELOW THE ATLAS AT THE GATES OF THE SAHARA, THE EARTH IS DRY, AND IT CAN HARDLY ABSORB ANY WATER. NOW, IN A MATTER OF MINUTES, THIS SURFACE RINSE COMES CRAWLING DOWN THE MOUNTAINS WITH BRUTE FORCE. SUDDENLY A DIRT ROAD AND THE PEOPLE ARE HIT WITH SUCH “WADIS,” AS THE LOCALS CALL IT, FROM THE SIDE. A rush of muddy water swells while the road disappears in front of our eyes. A local jumps out of his car, blazing his hands in fury, signaling us to stop. It’s early morning still and the reality of the situation is distant and difficult to fathom while I advance straight into this violent rivulet that drags down everything with which it comes into contact. The vehicle sinks deep into the waterline, the side is pulverized with a velocity beyond imagination, and waves splash over the aluminium-built carrosserie. The structure of the vehicle tries to resists in a stiff pose, wheels straining to grip below. Time stops. A speechless man glances blankly in the mirror, the skin of the passengers pales, and an almost inaudible female gasp is heard from
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the back seat. Silence awakens. We are a lone dot, an alien in a stream that wants to turn us over, take us with it, bend us in half. We are disturbing its flow, obstructing a precious estuary gap. Yet within this heart stopping rate of unprecedented events, the Range Rover is a calm companion. Wade-sensing electronics and a second generation terrain response instantaneously determine a hydraulic rise for maximum ground clearance, four-wheel-driven propulsion locks both differentials, and a series of valves and membranes secures the “breath” for the diesel V8 engine. An automatic, low transmission range is selected, and progress through this manic river now progresses with what
seems to be the ease of a mere walk in the park. It monumentally pushes hundreds of cubic meters of this “coffee Americano”-resembling current that continues rising high up to the chest. The engine power reserve on tap revs to life, the wheels continue to follow the riverbed terrain...and all the while, inside the car, the radio is playing. The vehicle’s rise back to firm ground is majestic, and feels as if we just stepped into another world. Don’t forget that normally, water is scarce for hundreds of kilometers around here. Morocco ain’t for the fainthearted. There isn’t a single vehicle in the world that will carry you across such inhospitable terrains in more comfort than a Range Rover. That said, the sad reality is that very few will ever leave the financial centers of the world (where most of them reside) to embark on a journey and test what their vehicle is very much capable of. As I left London and crossed the old continent towards northern Africa, I realized just that, and that my journey was to be one of those rare occasions. Morocco is a land of disparity; while Humphrey Bogart and the like nestled in its playgrounds, where one finds the most luxurious of hotels, poverty and harsh climate conditions dictate most of the native people’s lives. Yet the excellent road infrastructure near one of the main cities meant that Marrakesh was easy 128
medina lays underneath as a reminder of the old days when the Portuguese held this ground.
to reach, and Palais Namaskar proved a mere jump to the city outskirts. This palace out of the One Thousand and One Nightsfairytale gleams with a bespoken design and sublime architecture. The service to old Medina shuttles you in a carefree environment, but anytime I needed to move, I would take the Range Rover into the bustling city center, just because I could. Many travelers tend to avoid Marrakesh, as it’s very busy and spread out, but I thought it was a perfect way to commence my adventure. A high seating position in the Rover gives you an overview of the city and the traffic, yet constant police road checks require whooping stop-start accelerations. As we bade farewell to this old capital, the road took us west to the Atlantic coast to a place synonymous with effortless living, a Jimmy Hendrix tune and excellent seafood: Essaouira. A riad-esque property perfect for the discerned traveler is the Relais and Châteaux Heure Bleue Palais, an excellent gateway for exploring the city streets. What truly attract one’s attention are the endless beaches...but getting to them takes us first through the sand dunes. Time to choose the desert program on terrain response and let the 339 horsepower do the rest! Soft sand requires constant movement, as getting stuck here would mean we would miss the rendezvous at the old palace, where Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah ruled Mogador in the 129
19th century. I’m reaching a rate of 150 kilometers-per-hour on the vast beach, and there isn’t a single soul around to witness this extraordinary clash of the high Atlantic sea, the coastline, and a speeding Range Rover...a scene soon to be toned down by two Arabian stallions and a local guide. Jawad is waiting for us in the shade of eucalyptus trees and is all smiles as he describes the epic scene he just witnessed. Moments later we meet Atlas and Najem, and our riding can begin. Close to the sea, air is trapped under the sand and galloping makes it difficult for the horses to find firm ground, so we move higher up and enjoy the endless view of the seascape. Our return to Heure Bleue culminates in a swim on the terrace while the old
It’s a long way to Ouarzazate, so we rise early. As we pass the dry lands, the Argan trees and goats on them seem like mirages. There are two kinds of Argan oil produced: one for cosmetic use, which is cold pressed, and the edible one, which is pressed after the seeds have been roasted. It gives it a rich flavor and brings beauty to your skin from the inside out. After passing Agadir we head east, where desert, stone and amazing vistas fill our panoramic view. Taroudant serves as a stopover for lunch, and a crowded place next to the road with meat hanging from the roof means we’ve found a typical restaurant that’s sure to serve the likes of tajine and kefta. We hungrily consume minced meat from the grill and vegetables with couscous from a clay pot...all delicious enough to hold us until dinner. We pass Tafraout and Tiznit, which are nested at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas, but our stop is scheduled in Taliouine, the saffron capital. Saffron, considered by many to be the most expensive spice in the world, requires special measure to determine whether or not it is genuine: you moisten it on a piece of paper, and it should leave a yellow trail. The prices for this spice reach up to five Euros per gram, but this quantity will serve you well for several family risottos. The road is clear ahead and the final
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destination is the palm oasis of Skoura, which lies next to the film metropolis of Ouarzazate, whose large studios played host to the shooting of Gladiator and several other movies. It is too easy to get lost in the palm grove, where almost twenty thousand people reside, and finding Dar Ahlam would be impossible without Ali waiting for us at the gates of this fertile land. A kasbah where caravans would meet and exchange goods forms the foundation for this boutique hotel. The maître de maison is there to greet us, and the property feels as if it is ours and ours alone to tame. A heated pool and the scorching sun remind us how close we are to the desert grounds of Erg Chigaga and its golden dunes stretching into the Sahara. In the evening, when we reach the southern passage extending to the Great Desert, locals are not at ease. A storm is on its way, but it brings with it the heavenly water that hasn’t been seen here for a long time. In the morning we find ourselves clenched in a cataclysm. M’Hamid resembles a city that is no more; roads back to Zagora are impassable, the desert is flooded, and wild wadis are shattering people’s lives. A mere glimpse reveals a lake in the Sahara...a photo opportunity to be seized before it disappears. A luxury Bedouin tent provides the night sky observatory that can never be forgotten, and then the final adventure awaits: our long way back home. What we have learned through this adventure is that life excels when people join hands, step in for each other, and put values and humanity first. The Range Rover is the best friend in these circumstances, if not a life saver. Is there a better way to celebrate excellence?
Palais Namaskar
star Palais Namaskar explores new dimensions in hospitality. Nestled between Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Djebilet Hills, Palais Namaskar graces a romantic picturesque setting in Marrakech’s revered Palmeraie region. With 41 suites, villas and palaces, accommodation at Palais Namaskar is a harmony of timeless elegance and extravagant personal space. The décor is a vibrant combination of Easterninspired architecture infusing feng shui principles with contemporary interior design. In addition to the gourmet restaurant, the elegant tea lounge and the exceptional panoramic bar, guests may dine wherever they like: they may enjoy a private picnic in the gardens, an intimate candlelit meal by the lake, or
dinner with friends under the open sky on a private terrace. Le Spa Namaskar, directed by ila and Guerlain, features spa treatments that create a true sensory experience, and the holistic use of all-natural ingredients further nourishes the body and the mind. Palais Namaskar operates a luxurious and state-of-the-art Dassault Falcon 900LX and, once aboard, guests are cocooned in signature hospitality and looked after by caring and dedicated staff.
L’Heure Bleue Palais The Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira is like a book with a thousand stories, and is impossible to describe. Set in an
Palais Namaskar The original meaning of the greeting “Namaskar” is “The spirit in me respects the spirit in you.” Commanding more than twelve acres of pristine seclusion, tranquil lakes and inspiring panoramas, the five-
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extraordinary location - at the gates of the historic old city known as the Medina - the 33 rooms & suites are arranged over four floors and overlook the verdant patio. The decor is influenced by colonial nuances from the Orient, Africa, Portugal and Britain, a standing testimony to the city’s glorious past at the crossroads of African, European and Arab civilizations. The hotel offers everything a sophisticated traveller expects of a luxury hotel, yet Heure Bleue Palais still conserves the architecture of a traditional Moroccan riad: the public areas, restaurant and rooms open onto a courtyard with an ornate fountain, and in true Moroccan tradition, this is the heart of the riad. Chef Ahmed Handour and his team are by your side when you experience the delights of the Orient through its gastronomy with traditional as well as modern dishes. Explore different moods at Kemia, the Patio, and the Salon Anglais, which are at your service all day long. The Orient has always been a land of well-being, and in the region of essential oils and Argan, this property offers precious interludes of well-being around the tradition of the Hammam and massages.
Dar Ahlam Dar Ahlam has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since 2004 and is classified by Harper’s BAZAARas number one among the fifteen most fabulous
Ziga Colja - Author
villas in the world. It is a traditional kasbah surrounded by a Garden of Eden, and forms a total surface area of two hectaren (roughly five acres). The property is located at the gateway to the southern Moroccan desert, 40 kilometers east of Ouarzazate, in a palm grove named Skoura. It facilitates a maximum of 30 guests in nine junior suites, four superior suites and one villa. With no TV, no telephone, and not even a minibar, this provides the ultimate seclusion with a gourmet experience, as evidenced through the large number of delicious recipes created by Chef Frédérick Grasser-Hermé, as well as the delectable desserts dreamed up by the famous French pâtissier, Pierre Hermé. Together, they form a delicate
menu, combining the latest culinary innovations with traditional Moroccan specialities to discover according to your tastes and wishes. For relaxation time, turn to the heated swimming pool (with a length of 25 meters), the hammam (a traditional bath), or the indoor and outdoor massage rooms. A cooking demonstration, mule ride, and many other surprises to discover and experience all await in this exotic location, and don’t forget to check out the exclusive excursions away from the busy tourist trail in the Valley of Roses, Dadès Gorges, and the Valley of Almond Trees, or even a night in the sand dunes in their exclusive camp. Range Rover Autobiography – $137,995 USD Ferry connecting continents – $140 USD each way Dar Ahlam – starting at $590 USD Diesel fuel – a bit more than $1 USD per liter Palais Namaskar – low season, from $470 USD Lunch next to the road $5 USD will get your stomach full Argan oil – One liter at $30 USD L’Heure Bleue Palais – value for the money at $200 USD Equi Evasion horse riding – from $20 USD per hour Local currency – 10 Dirhams is approximately $1 USD
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People helping each other - priceless February 2015 - BELLO
LIFESTYLE
Splurge or Steal:
Fabulous Valentine’s Day Gifts BY DEE TRILLO Fashion, Beauty, Tech, Travel & Entertainment Expert| @HauteFrugalista| HauteFrugalista.com Giving a Valentine’s Day gift can be one of the most daunting tasks to accomplish. It’s hard to pick something that we know the person will love and be able to use. Most of the time, they end up not liking it, faking they liked it and wearing it when with you, or simply pretending they did but returning it a day later.
Do you want to avoid this? Then think about what your muchloved better half likes, make a choice that is fitted to their lifestyle, and then head to get them what will become their most treasured item until next year! Don’t have time, or have you run out of options? Then follow my fail-proof guidelines below and get them a gift that works with their personality.
FOR THE TECH SAVVY: Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5” tablet: I can assure you that anyone would fall in love all over again after receiving this gorgeous device. The AMOLED display has such a crisp, clear and vibrant quality that, as a result, every video and image looks high-def. What’s best is the totally lightweight and skinny design, making it the perfect companion for trips, work, or school. Just as the Galaxy S5, it comes with a fingerprint scanner for added security, multi-windows for the task-aholic, 16GB to store docs and videos, and an 8MP camera to capture perfectly printable memories.
Make it more personalized by prepping it with apps tailored to the taste and needs of your beloved. My most recommended features are Kids Mode for those parents who want their children to enjoy activities without accessing any other features, and SideSync for those Galaxy users who want to get call and text notifications from remote distances. My favorite apps are Autodesk PIXLR Photo Editor and WPS Mobile Office because they mimic desktop capabilities, allowing the owner to begin, or complete, projects on-the-go. $500 Samsung.com
FOR THE FASHIONISTA:
FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE:
FOR THE FOODIE:
Desigual Amapola Patterned Coat: I know your sweetheart loves warm hugs, but when she isn’t around you, keep her feeling stylish and fuzzy with this beautiful coat. The belt will highlight her silhouette, while the geometric jacquard shapes and floral pattern will give a fun and vibrant vibe to any outfit she wears. The fabric can withstand any weather, so she’ll be able to flaunt it during snowy or rainy days. $200 Desigual.com
Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q: Spearheaded by the motto “quick, quiet and quality,” the newest addition to the Conair 3Q Line will make a great gift for any girl who wants - or maybe even needs - to take better care of her strands. The brushless motor makes the drier more durable than standard ones, and the ionic and titanium ceramic technologies battle frizz and gently dry hair to prevent damage caused by heat. $120 Conair.com
Staub Cast Iron Crepe Set: There isn’t a more romantic thing than breakfast in bed! Make it a good one this year by crafting a delicious savory crepe, perhaps five cheese in wild mushrooms, followed by fresh strawberries on top of a sweet hazelnut crepe. This set is perfect to accomplish that, and also serves as a stovetop skillet where you can cook anything from eggs and sausage to burgers. $80 SurLaTable. com
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LIFESTYLE
Red Wine Garlic Noodles with Blue Crab & Browned Butter
“What is sexier than red wine and pasta? How about the two together…in one perfectly delicious dish! These noodles are so flavorful and come together in the blink of an eye. And although there is a good amount of garlic in this recipe, I still think it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day because it’s just such a special and unique dish. Besides, I live by the rule that if both people have garlic breath, it’s virtually unnoticeable!” -Chef Ronnie Woo Serves 2 • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter • 4 cloves of garlic, very finely minced • 2 tablespoon of soy sauce • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil • 2 teaspoons of brown sugar • ½ pound of fresh crabmeat, picked free of shells • Freshly cracked black pepper • 3 cups of red wine • ½ pound of spaghetti • Kosher salt • ¼ cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated, plus more for sprinkling • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling Instructions: 1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the butter begins to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. 2. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the crabmeat along with a couple pinches of freshly cracked black pepper. Turn heat off. 3. In a medium pot, heat the red wine to a gentle boil. 4. In a large stockpot, add 8 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and bring to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 3 minutes.
Chef Ronnie Woo is the executive chef and owner of The Delicious Cook, a private chef company that specializes in intimate four-star dinner parties. He has a growing list of celebrity clients and is a regular contributor to Good Day LA. He can be seen on the current season of Home Made Simple on the OWN Network. For more recipes and information on Chef Ronnie, visit his website at www.TheDeliciousCook.com or www. RonnieWoo.com. 133
5. Immediately transfer the half-cooked spaghetti to the red wine and cook for 3-4 more minutes, until al dente. 6. Using tongs, transfer the spaghetti to the crab sauce. Add the ParmigianoReggiano and olive oil and gently toss to coat noodles in sauce. Serve with more cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, then enjoy! February 2015 - BELLO
LIFESTYLE
CALENDAR Alt 98.7 Presents Cage the Elephant
The Grammy Awards
Tower Theatre: Los Angeles, CA
February 8
February 6
Valentine’s Day February 14
Meghan Trainor: That Bass Tour with special guest Sheppard El Rey Theatre: Los Angeles, CA February 21
HOLLYWOOD issue - BELLOmag.com
134
HOROSCOPES BY VANESSA VIOLA
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ARIES
January 19 – February 17
February 18 – March 19
March 20 – April 18
Happy Birthday!!! This is a powerful time for you! You will be the muse to many who surround you. Relish the inspiration you bring.
What do you intend for yourself this year? If you want a new job, think it. If you want to meet your forever person, imagine in every way what that relationship feels like. The gift of imagination truly is our greatest gift of all.
You’ve been receiving many messages from your angels. Are you listening? Tune in and trust them.
TAURUS April 19 – May 19
GEMINI
May 20 – June 21
CANCER
February is a time when you may feel an array of feelings: excitement, fear, awe, and confusion. Step into your power and know that these feelings are part of the journey; you’re headed in the right direction.
You are awesome in so many ways! You are now breaking out in a way that you never have before. A new sense of inner peace will emerge the more true you are to you.
It’s time to find some faith in your life. Your angels have been trying to get across to you and you’re still wondering whether or not any of it is real. It is. Trust. It will transform your life in more ways than you’re capable of seeing right now.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
June 22 – July 21
July 22 – August 21
August 22 - September 21
September 23- October 22
Dance around your living room this month! Let that inner child out to play, and just shake it off…
Miracles are happening all around you. Can you feel them? Do you see them? Embrace the goodness all around you.
You are being urged to continue on your spiritual journey. Have you joined that yoga studio? Are you taking at least five minutes in the morning to meditate? If so, good on ya! If not, what are you waiting for?
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Pay close attention to your dreams this month. Write them down in a journal, look up their meanings online or get a dream dictionary. You’ll be in awe of your subconscious mind.
Any troubles, worries, or questions you have will be answered in the quiet moments you have with yourself. Take the time to check in with you.
Celebrate during this time of abundance that is making its way to you! A wonderful affirmation to help you stay aligned with this steady flow of abundance is, “I love abundance, and abundance loves me!”
October 23- November 22
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November 23 – December 20
December 21 – January 18
February 2015 - BELLO
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